Taliban being pressed to cut violence: US

KABUL (Pajhwok): A senior American diplomat has promised his country will mount pressure on the Taliban for failing to the honour their agreement with the US and reduce violence in Afghanistan.

US Chargé d’Affaires Ross Wilson declared on Monday the spike in violence across the country as unacceptable. He blamed the Taliban for ignoring calls by the US and the global fraternity for a reduction in violence.

In an interview with a Kabul-based private TV channel Aryananews the diplomat accused the insurgent movement of being involved in targeted killings.

He alleged: “The Taliban are not meeting the commitments they held out to us in concluding the peace agreement in February.

“We have repeatedly called on the Taliban to reduce violence. Unfortunately, our efforts, our advocacy … and efforts of the United Nations did not succeed,” he said.

“And we are putting pressure on the Taliban. This is important for the success of the peace process and for the success of this country,” Wilson added.

“US and coalition forces remain substantial. We are actively defending the Afghan Defense and Security Forces. The issue of withdrawal, which was previously announced by the US, will be based on conditions,” Wilson added.

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